Ford's Focus ST gets a more refined look whilst staying true to its performance heritage.

Still available in both three-door and five-door configurations, the new model gets cosmetic enhancements like a new front bumper with integrated new fog light housing; a larger air intake for better cooling and a new honeycomb grille. The hood has been changed to integrate with the new headlamp design and its new lights cluster arrangement.

The fender has also been redesigned to fuse with the new bumper design. The rear tailgate sports a new diffuser-style bumper, which improves high speed stability and merges with the newly styled rear lights.

The ST will continue to be identifiable by its signature "Electric Orange" and "Performance Blue" colour options. Both models will continue to feature body coloured spoilers door handles mirrors and body side mouldings, while special ST badges on the front wings and the five-spoke wheels with low-profile tyres further distinguish the model.

The new Focus ST gets Bluetooth connectivity function with Voice Control, allowing you to use your cell phone via the in-car sound system. It supports various phone operations including digit dialing, last number dialing, incoming calls and voice tag dialing. In addition, the system will dial a number requested from the driver's phone address book. The voice control can be used for the phone, radio, CD player and climate control (in the five-door only).

The Ford Power start button is also a new feature allowing easy, keyless vehicle activation.

Other interior features remain unchanged with full leather trim standard on the Focus ST five-door and optional on the Focus ST three-door. Sculpted rear seats are also standard on both models, while leather and brushed-aluminium finishes further characterise the interior environment.

The Focus ST continues to be powered by the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged powertrain. It produces 166kW at 6000rpm and has a torque peak of 320Nm at 6000rpm. Mated to a six-speed transmission the Focus ST moves from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240km/h.

Reduced ride height, quicker steering ratios, stiffened front and rear springs, and rear anti-roll add to the agility and handling characteristics of the car.

The Focus ST is equipped with a high-performance braking system: four-piston brake calipers bite into 320 millimetre ventilated brake discs at the front, while at the rear two-piston brake calipers combine with 280 millimetre discs.

In addition, Ford’s Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) provide braking under extreme conditions. Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system is also available on the Focus ST. ESP intervenes in critical handling situations, assisting the driver by braking individual wheels as needed.

Like all Ford Focus models the ST has a comprehensive safety package. Features include a rigid passenger cell, footwell protection, collapsible steering wheel pedals, and side impact protection door beams. Among the passive safety system are driver and passenger front and side airbags, standard inflatable side curtain airbags for front and rear-seat occupants, pyrotechnic belt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection systems on the front seats.

The Focus ST also benefits from Ford’s latest warranty and service plan, which comprises of a four-year/120 000km fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty. Service intervals are scheduled at 20 000km with a Ford Protect service and roadside assistance plan in place for five-years or 60 000km.